1. Rogers and Emery Combine for Heist
Are match outcomes tell the whole story? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run continued against Manchester United, accompanied by the persistent questions. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Typically, the victory was tightly contested. Consistently, the xG metric painted a different picture: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are decided on the pitch, not on spreadsheets. They are won by cohesive units, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa boast the complete package. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he’s delivering with festive regularity. The Villa manager is shrewd, seasoned, significantly more advanced of Ruben Amorim. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because the coach had detected that his opponent was uncomfortable, and instructed his winger to take up a wide position, drive inside and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
When Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in late October, their fans began to believe again. They managed three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under their manager. They ascended to fourth. And the wins were all good ones – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (at Anfield!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, facing a team fresh from the Championship, but still – an untroubled victory). The goalkeeper was reassuring, their forward line sparked and morale was high. But then United went back to black. Over the next eight fixtures, only two victories, six missed opportunities. In the recent fixture they were the more dominant side without ever looking like winning. Yes, Matheus Cunha scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to key players), but they were punished for defensive errors. Since his arrival in England, the coach continues to struggle with how to secure victories.
3. Below-Par Gunners Get on Their Grind
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a glaring absence of finesse in the opposition box made for a sobering evening. For Everton, the issue was expected with key attackers absent, and Jack Grealish struggling to lift an entire team on his own. In many respects it is remarkable that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and their manager, while he enjoyed a merited victory and reclaiming first place of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their ambitions for the Premier League. He stated that positive results will inevitably grow more comfortable with graft and determination. But it is somewhat premature in the season for a team that can start with world-class talents, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Guardiola's Strict Festive Regime for Champions
On Christmas Day Pep Guardiola will check the weights to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to have a rest day after their latest win but he refused because their display lacked quality. So the schedule involves rehabilitation, sessions for the fringe men, and following a short break, then 48 hours of preparation for the upcoming match. The manager outlined how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in the right areas, we could create more.” The boss also plans to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. A trip to Barcelona is planned – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Liverpool's Joy Tempered by Isak Blow
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the confidence with which he converted from good service looked extremely positive. So the sight of him departing immediately, following a ill-judged tackle, was a major worry for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with Liverpool having snuck up on the top four, putting together a six-game unbeaten run featuring Isak’s first Premier League goals in their colours. Their prospects appear inextricably linked to those of their prize asset.
6. A Contentious Call Saves Chelsea
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they want to keep private. The numerous points Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season appears relevant. Their manager certainly did not seem overly keen to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s failure to protect a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Newcastle’s manager was surely justified in criticising a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have changed the narrative. Was the decision to offer the defender the doubt informed by the player's history for being very clever at winning penalties and sometimes simulating? The take of a respected pundit was revealing. “He sees the challenge coming,” he said. “He expects the tackle and he’s waiting for it. I think he's looking for the foul. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. A 99.17% Certainty
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled relief for Keith Andrews. Rather than celebrate, Andrews sympathised with Wolves, the club he joined at 16. “I spent nine years here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is beyond dire; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their likelihood of the drop at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond professionalism. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
